Defensive walls were key fortifications used to protect cities from aggressors during medieval times. Many of these settlements are still visible across Europe – filled with narrow streets, hidden corridors and whimsical charm. Here are a few.

SPAIN,Avila

The 11th-century wall that surrounds the old town illustrates the wealth, power and influence this Castilian city enjoyed centuries ago. Eighty-eight semicircular towers (many topped with stork nests) and nine entrance gates are found along the 1.57-mile wall. Between Puerta del Carmen and Puerta de los Leales, you can climb to the top of the wall for a spectacular view of the town and the surrounding area. Inside the old town is a lively shopping district and a number of cafes mixed with churches, convents, and monuments. At night, the wall is beautifully illuminated.

Since before the Roman occupation, a fortified settlement has existed on this hill overlooking the Languedoc countryside. During the 13th century, the settlement was transformed into the town that is seen today. After falling into disrepair, the fortifications were renovated in the 19th century by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.

The picturesque city is surrounded by a nearly 2-mile-long double row of fortified walls and accentuated by 56 imposing watchtowers. Visitors can wander the narrow cobblestone streets, take a historic tour or try a traditional meal of cassoulet.

Located along the Romantic Road in Bavaria, this walled city is one of the country's favorite tourist destinations. Visitors can walk along the top of the 1.5 miles of wall that surround the old town. Dawn and dusk provide the best countryside views. Half-timbered houses line winding, cobbled roads.

Defensive walls were key fortifications used to protect cities from aggressors during medieval times. Many of these settlements are still visible across Europe – filled with narrow streets, hidden corridors and whimsical charm. Here are a few. TEXT: KATE LUCAS, OCR / PHOTOS: ASSOCIATED PRESS & GETTY IMAGESFRANCE, Carcassonne Since before the Roman occupation, a fortified settlement has existed on this hill overlooking the Languedoc countryside. During the 13th century, the settlement was transformed into the town that is seen today. After falling into disrepair, the fortifications were renovated in the 19th century by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. The picturesque city is surrounded by a nearly 2-mile-long double row of fortified walls and accentuated by 56 imposing watchtowers. Visitors can wander the narrow cobblestone streets, take a historic tour or try a traditional meal of cassoulet.MORE INFORMATION: carcassonne.orgTEXT and PHOTOS: KATE LUCAS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTERTHE NETHERLANDS, Naarden Granted city rights in 1300, the fortress town was built in a five-point star shape with fortified walls and a moat. Once the capital city of the Netherlands, the town is steeped in 17th century history. Visitors can explore the town by foot, visit the fortress museum or take a boat tour around the moat. During busy summer months and holidays, people in period costumes fire cannons and entertain the public.MORE INFORMATION: naarden.nlTEXT: KATE LUCAS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTERGERMANY, Rothenburg ob der Tauber Located along the Romantic Road in Bavaria, this walled city is one of the country's favorite tourist destinations. Visitors can walk along the top of the 1.5 miles of wall that surround the old town. Dawn and dusk provide the best countryside views. Half-timbered houses line winding, cobbled roads. Walking tours are offered during the day and at night, highlighting a thousand years of history. Key attractions include the town hall, the Christmas Museum and the Medieval Crime Museum.MORE INFORMATION: rothenburg.deTEXT: KATE LUCAS, OCR / PHOTOS: ASSOCIATED PRESSCROATIA, Dubrovnik Nicknamed the "Pearl of the Adriatic," this walled city lies in the extreme south of Croatia on the Adriatic Sea. The stone fortifications were built due to the city's role as a major power in maritime trade during the 12th to 17th centuries. A complex system of turrets and towers helped protect the city along its 1.24 miles of wall. Visitors can limb the steep stairs to the top of the wall for spectacular views across the town and the Dalmatian coast. The town has many beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains.MORE INFORMATION: croatia.hrTEXT: KATE LUCAS, OCR / PHOTOS: ASSOCIATED PRESSSPAIN, Avila The 11th-century wall that surrounds the old town illustrates the wealth, power and influence this Castilian city enjoyed centuries ago. Eighty-eight semicircular towers (many topped with stork nests) and nine entrance gates are found along the 1.57-mile wall. Between Puerta del Carmen and Puerta de los Leales, you can climb to the top of the wall for a spectacular view of the town and the surrounding area. Inside the old town is a lively shopping district and a number of cafes mixed with churches, convents, and monuments. At night, the wall is beautifully illuminated.MORE INFORMATION: avilaturismo.comTEXT: KATE LUCAS, OCR / PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS

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